The small village of Villabassa, just north of Cortina d'Ampezzo, is nestled close to the Austrian border and sandwiched between the spectacular, jagged limestone peaks of the Dolomites. From here we enjoy an excellent choice of routes with the opportunity to relax in comfort at the end of a day's walking. During the week, we venture into the Fanes-Sennes and Dolomiti di Sesto National Parks for great views of the Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Historically the front line between Italy and Austria-Hungary during the First World War, the trails take us each day through incredible open-air museums.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

17.0km/10.6miles

Day 3

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 4

14.0km/8.7miles

Day 6

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 7

10.0km/6.2miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Moderate weeks: approximately 6hrs walking per day -
Challenging weeks: approximately 7hrs walking per day

Terrain: Low altitude; steep, rocky terrain

Itinerary

The ideal start to visiting this vast area is a walk straight from the hotel through the very pretty, flower filled Braies Valley. We walk through small villages and farmland until we reach the magnificent Lago di Braies (Pragster Wildsee), one of the 297 glacial lakes of the area. It is certainly one of the most beautiful thanks to being surrounded by jagged peaks that are reflected in the extraordinary mirror-like surface of the lake. We follow the route of 'SS hostages', the leaders of 19 countries who were freed after the First World War by the inhabitants of Neiderdorf/Villabassa. Challenging grade weeks will also include a traverse across the flanks of Croda Rossa (Hohe Gaisle), famous for the way it gleams red in the sun, before descending to Ponticello (Bruckele).See more images and videos

We walk amongst beautiful wild flowers on our climb up to the summit of the Strudlekopf (2307m). We stop at the Durrenstein hut in the early afternoon for a rewarding homemade apfelstrudel. On our descent down the valley, we explore fortifications and tunnels from the First World War on our return. Challenging grade weeks ventures first to the summit of Durrenstein (2950m), a majestic peak which boasts views all the way to the Austrian Tyrol After a short stop at the summit, we traverse across to towards the Strudlekopf, a route which offers exceptional views across this range of colourful jagged spires.See more images and videos

4Day 4Walk from the Kreutzberg Pass to the Nemes Alm.

Today we visit the Kreutzberg Pass with its Napoleonic trenches and we also enjoy a quick stop in a wonderfully hospitable mountain hut for some local Kaiserschmarren, a filling pancake dessert that is usually accompanied by homemade apple or plum sauce - just don't have one all to yourself! Challenging grade weeks enjoy an extended walk towards the ridge and could include a climb up Col Quaterna or Knieberg (2503m) alongside the Austrian border.See more images and videos

5Day 5A free day to relax or enjoy optional activities.

A free day to relax in the hotel's wellness centre or take a self-guided cycle ride around this wonderful area. Alternatively, you can make your way to Bolzano to visit a museum dedicated to the Oetzi, the 5000 year-old 'iceman' whose remarkably well-preserved body was found in 1991 high on a glacier on the Austro-Italian frontier. Or you could journey to the attractive provincial capital of Lienz in Austria, where it is possible to sample some Austrian hospitality.See more images and videos

We enjoy a memorable circuit around the famous 'Three Chimneys', or Tre Cime di Lavaredo. Set amid one of the classic mountain groups of this area, our circuit around these impressive peaks is certainly a highlight of the week. Challenging grade weeks take a more challenging and exposed route, which includes a spectacular traverse across the scree beneath Mt Paterno or Paternkofel (2722m) and may include a visit to the Bullejochhutte.See more images and videos

7Day 7To complete the week, we take an amazing tour around the summits of Monte Piano.

To complete the week, we take the amazing attacking route of the Austrians up to the summit of Monte Piano (2324m). Using an impressive network of safe paths, bridges and ladders, we find ourselves upon the flat-topped mountain surrounded by some of the most impressive scenery in the Dolomites. It is the site of an open-air museum dedicated to the First World War where trenches, dugouts and shell craters can be seen amongst the many alpine flowers. On our return, we have time to spot the brilliant blue gentians, alpine white edelweiss and bright saffron that create a beautiful scene around Lake Misurina, thanks to the beautiful pink off the limestone rock. Challenging grade weeks enjoy a dramatic traverse of Mt Piano's summits, including an exploration of the exposed gun galleries.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Hotel Adler - 4 Star

The week is based at Hotel Adler, a 4 star hotel in Villabassa. Located on the village square, this quality hotel is considered the 'best in town'. The cosy bar is often busy with locals and there is a relaxing lounge for peaceful reading.
Other facilities include a superb indoor pool and wellness centre with sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre. The well-known restaurant, run by head chef Helene Markart, appears in the Michelin Guide among others; the menu features a mixture of local and international cuisine. All bedrooms are spacious and have en-suite facilities, minibar and TV.

A limited number of double rooms for single use are available for a supplement from GBP200.

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
Please note in Italy it is compulsory to carry ID with you at all times. Holiday style

Due to the nature of the terrain on this trip, neither walking levels are recommended for vertigo sufferers.

We enjoy the same walks and visit the same areas on each trip, but the length and difficulty vary according to the walking level. Please make sure you choose the week that matches your ability.

Most weeks offer Moderate walking (level 3), where we usually walk between 5 and 7 hours per day. The area we are visiting is criss-crossed by a network of long established trails and walking paths, most of them well maintained and waymarked. Even so, paths are rocky and on occasion exposed. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these weeks.

On some weeks, we offer Challenging walking (level 5). On these departures, we usually walk between 6 and 8 hours per day at a steady pace. We use established trails and mountain paths, which are often steep, rocky and more exposed than the level 3 walks. For these departures you will need to be surefooted and have a good level of fitness. Some fixed equipment and easy via ferrata may be encountered.

The itinerary above is an example of a level 3 week. The exact itinerary (and therefore the length of each walk) may vary depending on weather conditions or other factors beyond our control. Whilst aiming to always follow the routes described in these trip notes, it will be the leader's decision to amend the itinerary if and when necessary.

Altitude maximum 2900m, average 2500m.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners.
Please note an evening meal is not included on the first evening, as the group flights may arrive late into Villabassa. Sandwiches or snacks are available at the airport or ask the leader to stop on the journey.
For breakfast, the hotel offers a large selection of cereals, fruit, cheese and cold meats, (along with tea and coffee of course). Packed lunches are provided for the walks, which are usually sandwiches with a fruit and snack. There is a set menu for evening meals, which may include some local specialities such as Speckknodel.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

In the Dolomites, (as always in the mountains), the weather is very changeable. On average in summer months you can expect some rain on one day in two, but it is likely to come in heavy and thundery outbursts of relatively short duration rather than prolonged showers. In the valleys, daytime temperatures range on average from 12 to 22degC, although 25degC is not unusual. Up in the mountains it will be a few degrees colder. There are always patches of snow remaining on the higher peaks late May and early November, and sometimes due to unpredictable winter weather, this can remain for a little longer. Therefore you need to be ready for anything, so pack shorts as well as warmer clothes; full waterproofs as well as sun cream.

Gallery

Reviews & community

Excellent, good value trip. I had not visited South Tyrol before but the Dolomites had been on my bucket list for some time. I booked the regular trip not the more challenging departure but the walking was just right leaving at 9am and back to the hotel 5-6pm. I had looked at doing hut to hut treks but the real highlight was coming back to a base at Hotel Adler, using the pool and spa and loading up on local, delicious five course meals! Maybe less adventurous but an active holiday with maximum relaxation too.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The stunning scenery brought to life by our guide and the hospitality of our family run hotel.

What did you think of your group leader?

Extremely knowledgable and passionate about the area. Well qualified to lead on the mountains and genuinely concerned that everyone enjoyed their trip. Honest advice.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Hire a bike from the hotel on the free day. Bolzano is too far away to be a good use of the time. Take wet weather gear and pack warm layers even in the height of summer if, like me, you feel the cold. Be prepared to test your fears (safely) if you don't like heights. Embrace the local food. If you want to use a little less English, scrub up on your German.....much more widely spoken than Italian in the area. If you have the time and budget, fit in a couple of days in Venice. Easy to get to from the airport transfer and a great contrast. Take home some prosecco!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You won't be disappointed if you book this trip. There is no option to do via Ferrata routes but you will experience some short sections of wires and ladders to get a flavour without the adrenaline. Travelled in a pair ages 27 and 32.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

trekking across mt piani , the walking made all the more fascinating by our great guide Carl who bought it to life with his history and intimate knowledge of the area added to the whole amazing experience,

What did you think of your group leader?

He was fantastic. A great tour leader, his knowledge and experience was appreciated and really made the trip ...

Sharmil is one of our Exodus Family holiday experts and, having two kids himself, he can understand that family holidays are important 'events', as it's probably one of the few occassions parents and children spend any considerable amount of time together over the year. Sharmil has travelled extensively, with big cities being his greatest love but paradoxically his most recent highlight was watching shooting stars in the Jordanian desert! It is his firm belief that travel dispels prejudice and fear, and this encourages his passion for helping others see the world.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

Is it possible to make my own way to the start point in the Dolomites?

Yes, it is possible but, as it can be a long journey, you will need to prepare in advance. Taxis will be very expensive but there are some public transport options available. Please contact the Customer Operations team on 0845 863 9643 for more details, and we can run through the best way to get there!

Rachel George - Customer Operations

What is the hotel like in Villabassa?

Located on the village square, this quality hotel is one of the most comfortable we feature. The cosy bar is popular with locals, while the quiet lounge is warmed by a log fire. The hotel’s other facilities include a lovely indoor pool and a wellness centre with sauna, steam room, solarium and small fitness centre. Hotel Adler also has a disco, open once a week for guests and locals! I was there there week before Christmas, and the Christmas market in the square outside only added to the atmosphere!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

What kind of luggage should I take?

There's really no restiction, whatever feels comfortable for you. Whether that's a wheelie case or a rucksack, you won't be carrying it too far so don't worry!

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

Is it possible to have a day off during the holiday?

Yes, this trip is centre based so if you would prefer to take off any of the days, you're free to do your own thing. Obviously we hope you'll take advantage of all that is on offer, but it's still a holiday, not a forced march!

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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